Latter era (Soft Bulletin on) Flaming Lips would be the closest comparison I know of. They have a string section, great beats, good dynamics and heart-wrenching songs. Craig Minowa, the band's leader and principle songwriter, lost his young son tragically and much of his writing since has been about mortality and family. But while some songs can be heart-wrenching, I wouldn't call the band depressing at all. I know some prefer the album, Advice from the happy Hippopotamus, but my favorite is last year's The Meaning of 8. This year's effort, Feel Good Ghosts, I love but many have dismissed.